News from Porter County Parks and Recreation

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Writing Workshop: Nurture, Heal and Inspire

Porter County Parks and Recreation is again teaming up with the Lubeznik Center for the Arts to offer a program at Brincka Cross Gardens.   Take time to nurture yourself. Come write in a beautiful setting where writers are safe, supported and stimulated. Using the Amherst Writers and Artists Method, and guided by trained workshop leader Jo Pilecki, participants will write together, then share and respond gently to new work. This workshop will take place in the unique tranquility of Brincka Cross Gardens over the course of four sessions - Monday August 1, Monday August 8, Monday August 15 and Monday, August 22. The cost for the entire workshop is $80 ($20 per session). Space is limited. Register with the Lubeznik Center for the Arts at 219-874-4900, or e-mail jbloch@lubeznikcenter.org.​

Camp FUNset heads into second half of summer

Campers enjoy a debris hut they built at Wilderness Camp

By Charlie Cross
Camp FUNset Counselor
The first three weeks at Camp FUNset went great! The kids had fun and made new friends while remaining safe and continuing to learn about nature, art, and building friendships. Along with the campers, this has been a learning experience for the counselors . Parents have been very positive about the program, and every week the camp improves. There are three camps left for the summer, and they will provide an experience great enough to build long lasting memories.

Gardening Days at Brincka Cross Gardens

During the past year, Brincka Cross Gardens has begun to undergo a transformation. Our maintenance staff has been working hard to clear invasive growth from the gorgeous gardens that were planted and cared for by the original owners, William Brincka and Basil Cross, and our recreation staff has been working equally hard to develop new programs that the public can enjoy.

Gardening Days at Brincka Cross Gardens has been one such program that has given people who love to garden a unique chance to practice their passion. And anyone who is interested is welcome to attend!

your favorite gloves and and join us in beautifying gardens and grounds within the property.

This is a great way to fulfill service hours, or simply do what you love in a beautiful setting. Wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes and extra gloves will be available. These Gardening Days will take place on Fridays, July 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 9 to 11 a.m.

For more information, contact Gayle O'Connor at 219-548-0219, or goconnor@porterco.org.

Camp FUNset Sing-A-Long!

Check out our musically talented camp counselor, Big E, as he leads a spirited rendition of "If I Had a Hammer" at Wilderness Camp!

Camp FUNset Nature Rangers a success!

By Charlie Cross

Charlie and a Nature Rangers camper.

Camp FUNset Counselor

We wrapped up the first week at Camp FUNset this past Thursday, and it was a huge success! The kids had a blast, and learned a great deal about nature, science, and making new friends. The Camp staff is continuously working to find ways to further improve new friendships between the kids, and the children’s overall experience at Sunset Hill. This week was a great kickoff for the remainder of Camp FUNset summer camps!

Botanical Art Workshop Q and A



The Botanical Art Workshop will give artists the chance to capture the beauty of Brincka Cross Gardens.

This weekend marks the first of what we hope will be many collaborations between Porter County Parks and Recreation and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, a gallery and education center in Michigan City. We are teaming with the Lubeznik Center to bring renowned artist and illustrator Olivia Petrides to Brincka Cross Gardens for a Botanical Art Workshop on Saturday, June 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spots are still available. Call 219-874-4900 or e-mail jbloch@lubeznikcenter.org to reserve a spot. The cost is $125.

This workshop is designed for students of all skill levels. Olivia will demonstrate how to capture the details and defining characteristics of plants in pencil and watercolor. We are very excited to be hosting this event, and we recently talked with Janet Bloch, the Lubeznik Center Education Coordinator, about this unique opportunity.

How long has Olivia Petrides been involved at the Lubeznik Center?

This is a new opportunity for residents and visitors to this area. I have known Olivia Petrides' artwork  for a number of years. It  is stunning and is represented in many museum collections. She lives in Chicago and has taught at the School of the Art Institute for 20 years.  I would not have been able to entice her out this way to teach just any class. It had to be a unique situation and one that had real appeal for her. The ability to hold the class in the Brincka Cross Gardens fit that bill because it is home to hundreds of species of plants, including some very rare ones. She was the first person I thought of when the Lubeznik Center for the Arts was asked to design some classes for the Porter County Parks and Recreation.

What makes Olivia such a great fit for leading the Botanical Art Workshop?

In addition to being a fine artist and educator, Olivia is a professional botanical illustrator. She has illustrated two of the Petersen's field guides to trees and her father wrote the text for them.  She understands how to capture the detailed qualities of  unique plant species and she is an excellent and experienced teacher. Who could be better?

What can students expect from this workshop?

Students can expect specific instruction in drawing techniques and the application of watercolor, personal attention  and honest gentle feedback from a woman who loves to teach and who loves and appreciates the nuances of nature.

What has drawn the Lubeznik Center to Brincka Cross Gardens and collaborating with Porter County Parks and Recreation to deliver programs there?

The Lubeznik Center for the Arts shared a great relationship and history with Bill Brincka and Basil Cross, the couple who donated the property to the Porter County. We have a gallery dedicated with their names at the Art Center. We are also the premier institution in this region for providing excellent art education to adults and children.